Johnson takes 10th at state golf tourney

Columbia Falls High School senior Parker Johnson concluded his high school golf career with an all-state performance at the state Class A golf tournament in Hamilton on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Johnson's two-day total of 164 (82-82) landed him in a three-way tie for 10th place and secured him all-state honors.

Fellow Wildcat senior Brian Marcille shot a personal best 93 on the last day at state to finish at 197 (104-93).

Hamilton's Eli Rogers mastered the slick greens of his home course to fire a 139 (73-66) to claim the individual state championship. The Hamilton boys clinched the team state championship, while Park County took second.

"Parker's success was really great to see, and Brian met his goals for the state tournament," coach Gene Marcille said. "I'm really going to miss these seniors next season."

On the girls side of the tournament, junior McKenna Emmerich also shot her best score of the season on the second day at state while finishing in the top 20 with a 211 (108-103).

Wildkat juniors Morgan Love and Maggie Panasuk competed with 243 (120-123) and 272 (134-138) respectively.

Laurel's McKenzie Webinger secured state champion honors with 158 (80-78). The Polson Lady Pirates captured the team state championship and were followed by Park County.

"McKenna blew me away with her poise and focus at her first state tournament," Marcille said. "All three of our junior girls just got better and better as the season went on."

Marcille said the level of competition at Sate A golf was really impressive.

"You see a lot of kids dealing - or not dealing - with the pressure of a tough sport on a very difficult course," he said. "It was very satisfying to see how well our kids stand out and represent our school and community."